At At Marc Ambinder, check out the first GOP anti-Obama mailing to seize upon the "bitter" comments. It's a flyer from Matt Shaner, who is running in a Congressional primary to represent Pennsylvania's 5th district. The text:
He called us a "bitter" people.
He criticized us for "clinging" to religion.
He criticized us for "clinging" to guns.
Now it's time to send a message to Barack Obama.
"I'm a God-fearing, chuch-going, NRA member. And I'm proud of it." - Matt Shaner, Republican for Congress
The strategist behind the ad is John Brabender, whose firm also managed media for Rick Santorum, Rudy Giuliani, and even GOP turncoat Lincoln Chafee. Brabender is godfather to one of Santorum's children. His practice is proof that "moderate" Republicans are in thrall to the same socially conservative establishment figures as their religious right brethren. Now we're seeing how that establishment plans to go after the leading Democrat.
--Dana Goldstein
